Denis Shafikov Dominates, Stops Lee McAllister in Seven

By Alexey Sukachev

Russian light welterweight Denis Shafikov (28-0-1, 17 KOs) produced probably the best fight of his career, and he generated this performance in his opponent's backyard, Aberdeen, stopping Scottish Lee McAllister (34-3, 9 KOs) in seven one-sided rounds to retain his EBU 140lb title. He also presented an answer to a popular question, why many of his fans and numerous boxing experts call him "Genghis Khan" in Europe.

After an even first round, when neither boxer was able to get the control of the fight, WBC #12 Shafikov, 26, began to plant punches to his opponent's body in the second round.

The more elusive and faster Shafikov used body movement and good footwork to frustrate McAllister from round two. He also peppered the Scottish fighter with his jabs, while adding multiple combinations mostly to the face of McAllister. Shafikov fought in spurts, using his usual fire and poise to hit McAllister time and time again.

The local hero had few answers to the workrate of the Russian guest, scarcely trying to outjab the Eastern import. What was more important, it also appeared that McAllister broke his left hand. Shafikov's advantage became more and more dominant - and in the sixth and in the seventh rounds McAllister was close to going down. He has never gone but at 0:01 of the eighth round - the fight was stopped. McAllister walked over to Denis' corner to congratulate the champion. Shafikov is expected to make a good leap in rankings. He deserves a title shot in future for sure.